classes are simple as long as you set your mind to them. ratemyprofessor.com also helped me to chose my classes and i did pretty well.

Tips for prospective students

go to ecc to start. it has the same courses for prerequisites as state colleges or universities for a much better price. it's also easy to transfer.\ with the classes you need.

In three sentences

at north campus, the student life is very lively and the teachers are very helpful. in my experience erie community college and its professors try their hardest to make accommodations that fit my needs. also, the broad array of programs makes it a great place to start.

Kristen from Buffalo, NY

01/15/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 of 32

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

On city campus the security office will always walk you to your car if you feel uneasy about your safety. The campus is in the city, across the street from the main bus station, so there are some characters around, but be aware and you'll be fine!

Bang for the buck

Definitely affordable for Erie County residents!

Food and Dining

I can only speak of city campus, but it is not awful. There is a Tim Hortons coffee stand in the atrium that is closed by 3pm and they don't even have iced coffee. There are VERY few healthy options. You can order a turkey burger, but it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook, not ideal in between classes. The salad bar has improved but is only available in the afternoon. The best is when the culinary school has their kiosk open! They make the best salads, wraps, and pastries!!

Dorm Life

There are no dorming options.

Academic Rigor

I have only taken classes on city campus so far. There are many classmates who do not care about their education and the key is not to let them be distracting. Engage with the professors and show up to class. This will lead to a stellar learning experience!

Tips for prospective students

Don't take your education lightly just because it is a community college. Do your homework and assignments ON TIME. Show up to class! Read the material. All of these are steps to succeed in college.

In three sentences

I am receiving a top notch education. This community college has exceeded any and all expectations I had going into my college career. I am learning how to enter the business world and succeed from millionaires.

Juliane from Elma, NY

Not very expensive if you are an in-state student. Great education, affordable price!

What to do for fun

There are always a lot of Student Governement activities offering free activities, which are awesome because as a college student, expenses add up quick.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is a nice place to eat, and now there is even a Tim Hortons! There are many vending machines around so it is easy to just grab a quick snack in between classes.

Dorm Life

There aren't any dorms at Erie Community College.

Academic Rigor

Some classes have more work than others, but if you stay ontop of assignments and don't let yourself fall behind, everything will be okay.

Tips for prospective students

My advice for prospective students would be to focus on schoolwork and make sure you use your time wisely, because college is expensive. In addition, try not to skip class. I understand things come up, but not going to class is pointless, because your grade will just drop.

In three sentences

Erie Community College is small college, but allows the opportunity to succeed at anything you want to accomplish. The professors are always willing to help and are very passionate about what they are teaching. It is easy to focus and do well if you are passionate about school.

The computer lab located in Kittinger Hall is staffed with a few tutors very capable of alternative instruction to a variety of computer science and mathematics classes.

Bang for the buck

Considering the comparatively cheap tuition that ECC boasts, it would be an optimal place for local students to spend the first 2 years of their degree attending. The coursework is sufficient in preparing students who commit to their degree for a 4 year school, and helping unsure students discover their goals.

What to do for fun

Like most colleges, ECC has several places to gather for fun. A large field where people may linger, or play sports at any time, is located near one of the main buildings. Several computer labs exist on campus where students may either hang out with friends or study in a group. The student building contains an open hangout room with pool tables, and games for public use. Overall ECC has a fair number of places to spend time, considering its size.

Food and Dining

ECC has a food court in its student building, and a smaller shop located in one of its main buildings. While both of these locations provide a fairly diverse selection of food(pizza, chicken fingers, fries, subs), there is a distinct lack of brand name foods, and organic selections for those in need of it.

Dorm Life

I leave this at a neutral 3 stars, as of 2013 ECC is now developing dorms.

Academic Rigor

Having attended both ECC and University at Buffalo, I can say with confidence that ECC provides an adequate level of study in each of their core courses. While the difficulty of certain courses may vary at each school, there is no doubt that the important technical classes(physics, calculus, cse, etc) I took for my specific degree were equivalent between the two programs.

Tips for prospective students

Whether you are fresh out of high school, struggling at your current university, or looking for a place to discover your career interests, ECC is the school where you'll want to be. A combination of smaller classrooms, familiar and friendly staff, and an emphasis on each individual helps provide a strong foundation for future endeavors.

In three sentences

Compared to a typical University, ECC is comprised of caring professors and small classrooms. Due each class's size, professors are able to spend time interacting with, and teaching students 1-on-1. This is a fantastic school to discover career goals.

Ashley from Hamburg, NY

Looking to save money and transfer to a 4 year college or students undecided in what they are looking to do

What to do for fun

Play sports, join clubs.

Tips for prospective students

Don't expect a huge change from high school, yet be ready for more work! Definitely a smart choice for your first and second year of college. You can always transfer out and you're saving a TON of money for the same credit hours you'd get at any other school.

In three sentences

Every adult tells you that it's the most cost efficient college to go to, and they're absolutely right. Especially if you're undecided. Even if it's only a semester, save your money and take credits at ECC.

Brittany from Lancaster, NY

the run of the mill everyday student, but also good for struggling high sch. students

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

none

What to do for fun

Still new so I am not sure

Food and Dining

nice cafeterias

Dorm Life

No dorms

Academic Rigor

This is my first semester

Tips for prospective students

South campus seems to be the nicest campus. It actually feels like a college campus, not a high school repurposed.

In three sentences

Erie community college -south is a nice campus, with excellent staff. I really like that they offer extensive help for struggling students, English, math , science study labs-with tutoring staff . .They also offer free shuttles between campuses.

Michael from Cheektowaga, NY

The campus is very safe with several campus security guards inside and outside the campus as well as security guards checking student ID's at entrances.

Clubs and Activities

ECC has a full sports program offering football, ice hockey, soccer, basketball etc.. As well as the student government which I am considering joining. There are many groups here for everybody. There's a group for everybody.

Great for these types of students

It's great for students right out of high school or for older people (30-50's) who are coming back to school. There's a pretty even mix of both age groups.

Bang for the buck

ECC is definitely your greatest bang for the buck. With tuition no more than $5,000 a year for a full time student. It's the most affordable choice for anyone. And the knowledge you take away from the classes and teachers is second to none.

The cafe provides a good selection of food for all diets. There is a large salad bar as well as veggie burgers for vegetarians like myself. As well as the usual cheeseburgers and chicken fingers. The staff in the cafe is awesome too! They talk and joke around with people in line and have personal relationships with some students.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor is not too tough. It's harder than high school but it's no Harvard academics. The classes are simple and to the point. And like many teacher I've had said, you have to try to fail a class. The same goes for here.

Tips for prospective students

Don't walk in here thinking that it'll be easier than high school. It's still a college and the classes are still tougher. But if you plan your schedule right and take the classes that interest you, you'll have no problem here!

In three sentences

ECC is definitely a good choice for students no matter their GPA. You'll get the same education here that you would at any other university. Plus you're saving tens of thousands of dollars by going here.

Courtney from Depew, NY

08/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

10 of 32

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

The campus is Tobacco-free and also they offer transportation services. The lighting in the parking lots are well set up and lots of lighting. There are campus safety officers in every building and usually more than one

Great for these types of students

Students that are undecided about their major and/or want to get some experience because they want to make sure its right for them. Students that need to get their general studies out of the way at a much more affordable cost. For students that only have to maybe take a course or two and its simple to enroll.

What to do for fun

There are many sports and clubs to join. There are activities to take part in, at ECC your treated as family. Theres a library that's open late so when you just need to take a breather definitely check it out!

Food and Dining

The food in the cafeteria is amazing. The cooks are very friendly and the cafeteria itself is well maintained and setup. Meals are always available so its very convenient and not expensive!

Dorm Life

I cant speak much about the dorm life because i don't dorm there. A few of my friends that i have recently met says its well set up and clean. Its a friendly and safe environment to be in.

Academic Rigor

Definitely five star, great opportunities and different fields of study. Getting an associate from here with the curriculum is a must. Its not that hard if you study and keep a positive attitude.

Tips for prospective students

Research where you really would like to go, make sure ECC is right for you. ECC is a great place to start. My advice is to seek help from an adviser and get started on dual admissions it makes the transfer process much easier.

In three sentences

Very well set up, nice atmosphere. The faculty and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The students there make you feel like family, and the campus is not hard to know your way around.

Jacqueline from Williamsville, NY

Try to learn about your teachers before signing up for classes, through other students, friends, etc.

In three sentences

Some of the staff seem uninformed and don't know much about the subjects they teach or the job they should be performing. However, I have had many good experiences with other teachers as well. Quality varies widely.

ECC is a great school to start off at or to get back on track. After attending Ecc you can go to any college that you would like with the right skills. This school is a great school for people of all ages.

Kaitlin from Lancaster, NY

Campus safety spends a lot of time sitting in their SUV's watching students to park in faculty parking. I don't see them doing much of anything else.

Great for these types of students

Students that want to be in school and continue their education, but aren't really sure what they want to do.

Food and Dining

I would love to see some healthier choices in the cafeteria.

Dorm Life

There is no dorming.

Tips for prospective students

Leave yourself enough time to get to class! Parking is a nightmare!

In three sentences

Erie Community College is a great idea place for students to go if they aren't sure what they want to major in. I really enjoyed my time over the past two years I have encountered really good teachers and really bad teachers. It is a game of chance but with every encounter a lesson is learned.

Gabrielle from Buffalo, NY

01/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 of 32

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

There are a lot of programs that are in Erie community college that can be fun if you let them. There is a few sports and other things but all depends on what you want to do and which campus you go to.

Food and Dining

The food is usually prepared by chefs and their students and being one who cooks, the food isn't bad. Might be a little costing depending on what you fancy for lunch and the day.

Dorm Life

From what I know, dorms are always the first to be filled up but don't let that discourage you. Dorm life isn't all that bad since it teaches one how to live on their own.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the major of your choice and your education background, classes can be a bit of a challenge for you. Just study and it will pay off.

Tips for prospective students

For those who want to come here for their major, stick with and come up with a plan on how you will be able to conduct yourself during the semester. If you're a morning person, schedule for early classes and vice versa.

In three sentences

Erie Community college is a very lax place for teenagers just graduating from high school. The staff and other students are really nice and helpful when asked a question. The campus overall isn't that big so it makes walking a lot easier.

Jeffrey from Orchard Park, NY

The food is very good and inexpensive although the cafeteria is always loud.

Dorm Life

There arent any dorms unfortunately.

Academic Rigor

The classes you take will be challenging and the workload will be heavy, but as long as you work hard you most likely will be happy with your gpa.

Tips for prospective students

Take classes you want to take first without worrying about what exactly you need in your degree to finish it because you will find out what you want to do after taking the classes you are interested in.

In three sentences

Erie Community College is a smart place to start especially if you aren't exactly sure what you want to pursue in your degree and if you are also worrying about college costs. You can receive guidance with about anything and everyone is always friendly about it in the school. As long as you put an honest effort into your classes you will love the school.

David from Amherst, NY

It is campus safety, no one really likes people whose job it is to give parking tickets.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities for those who want to join. It is very easy to join or even start a club if you want.

Great for these types of students

ECC is great for motivated students who want to go to class, work, and take responsibility for their academic goals and success.

Bang for the buck

At about $2400 a semester you will not find a better and cheaper way to start your education in an environment in which the professors want you to exceed.

What to do for fun

ECC is a commuter campus, so there is not a lot going on everyday, but there are events and activities going on regularly to keep busy.

Food and Dining

There is a popular culinary school that runs a restaurant, reservations fill up fast, but the food is good.

Academic Rigor

Courses can be as challenging as another school. There will be work to complete and chapters to read for most if not all of the classes. Around mid-terms and finals, there will be a lot of work to complete, but that is to be expected.

Tips for prospective students

As with any school, showing up on time, prepared, and ready for class is key to success. Staying on top of classwork and applying ones self from the beginning of the semester will set you up to succeed.

In three sentences

The professors are kinda, considerate, and helpful for those who ask for help. The many of the students are highly motivated and not only want to excel, but also will help fellow students who apply themselves. Overall good place to start for well motivated students.

Study what the teacher tells you to study and maybe join the student government if you have extra time.

In three sentences

Small classes of no more than 20-25 students. Great teachers that care. All the buildings are connected so the only time you walk outside is when you go back and forth to your car, it's an excellent college.

Dzejlana from Lackawanna, NY

Pay attention, it may seem simple going into a community college but teachers and coursework can be tough. If you study and come to class most times you will do great.

In three sentences

Great entry college for those trying to transition from high school into the college atmosphere. Also great for the adult student trying to go back to school. Provides many oppurtunities for those who want to transfer or a quit alternative after high school or ged.

Allecia from Clarence Center, NY

05/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

26 of 32

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Campus safety is awful. One day a friend and I were walking to class in the parking lot, IN THE TEACHER PARKING, STUDENT RESTRICTED AREA, and some jerk off zoomed passed me hitting me WHILE I WAS WALKING!! campus security saw it, moved up in they car like they were going to do something about it, and after 5 feet stopped and parked the car. I went to the building and they told me that there was nothing they could do about it... cool I was pissed off and bruised.

Clubs and Activities

There are practically no clubs or organizations. The only fun you can do is sports, SGA and I think Campus Ministries.

Great for these types of students

Idiots. Also good for people who just want to get the general studies done and transfer.

Bang for the buck

It's cheap, which is good.

Food and Dining

Food is all right, depending on what you get, but can be pricey. On the free food days, you get crap. They free food is disgusting, but it's free, and I'm poor so I try to eat it.

Dorm Life

Commuting sucks. It's 500x harder to make friends. Classes are small, which rules, but when the teacher asks questions there is always that awkward silence.

Academic Rigor

The classes are easy, yet a waste of time. Half the teachers don't know what they're doing. I am more intelligent than a few of my past teachers...

Tips for prospective students

You better go to admissions and talk to your advisor a lot. I keep getting screwed out of my major because no one tells me who my advisor is, or no one emails/ calls me back. The teachers say they care about you and that they;re always there for you, but they never email you back, treat you like you're an idiot, and have an I don't care if you fail or pass, I get paid either way attitude.

Sarah from East Amherst, NY

I work full-time and went to school part-time and was able to get through my associates degree with no debt.

What to do for fun

Depending on which campus you attend or are working at you are in the suburbs or city of Buffalo and you're always surrounded by local restaurants and shops

Food and Dining

For the few times I was on campus for classes there was always fairly healthy choices for food and drink. Since there was a culinary department, we had a restaurant on our campus that we could go and sit down to eat which were part of the culinary students studies.

Dorm Life

There were no dorms on the campus I attended but I the college helps with any students that need housing and have work with them for an travel by bus or train.

Academic Rigor

I felt that all of my classes were challenging but never impossible. I took many different types of classes which I believe touch on all different teaching/learning types. Since I am good on computers and more of a visual learner The online classes were great and the books and content were all presented by my teachers very clearly and concise.

Tips for prospective students

The website has a lot of good information so if you have questions or concerns look online and use the search toolbar and you'll either find your answer or it will direct you to where you can go for more help.

In three sentences

This school is flexible and has different ways to attend classes and earn your degree. There is always places to go for help, especially because there are three different campuses which you have access to. This school is all about being there to help you but you have to know to ask for the help and take it.

Gabriel from Amherst, NY

05/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

28 of 32

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Campus Safety is pretty secure inside the buildings, but could use more cameras outside.

Clubs and Activities

Anime and Gaming, Jazz Kats, Dental Hygeine, (basically almost every degree program has a club). If you want a club other than a degree club for fun, you'll have to find others with the same interest and start one. Hence Anime and Gaming and Jazz Kats.

Great for these types of students

Students that really dont want to be involved and are commuters, to go to class and go home.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Student lounge has become somewhat of the anime and gaming hangout. There arent any real student oriented areas on campus to get away other than the lounge.

Bang for the buck

The bookstore is great, but check on line for cheaper books!

What to do for fun

Again as a student you have to create your experience. There are funds available through student government and the clubs, as well as the athletics department if there is something you want to play or do. You pay a large activity regardless of the campus you go to, so you might as well take advantage of it.

Food and Dining

The food is good and affordable priced. They have some healthy choices, and a hot line with gourmet meals for around 5 dollars.

Dorm Life

There are dorms at the downtown city campus, which isn't in the best area or location . North campus is supposed to have dorms built by 2013 and not sure what is occurring with south campus

Academic Rigor

Some programs are extremely competitive, but will prepare you to move forward.

Tips for prospective students

Be responsible and take responsibility for your grades and your college experience. It is up to you to decide where you go and how you get there. Erie Community College is a great stepping stone to other opportunities in the work force, as well as furthering you academic career

In three sentences

Erie Community College has the cheapest tuition, and is more affordable for the basic gen. ed. requirements needed for transferring to a 4 yr school. As far as Student Life goes, you need to decide what you want as a student and create it, the resources are available. If you have a problem and think you are correct, seek advice and remember it's college and a learning experience for the real world!

Mary from Kenmore, NY

North Campus is very safe. I have attended classes at city campus and have requested a security escort to the parking lots with no trouble at all.

Great for these types of students

Great for working mothers and fathers, those still deciding on a career, and those who benefit from small class size.

Bang for the buck

Since I pay out of pocket, cost is important to me. I feel like I'm getting the best deal since most of my professors also work in the fields in which they teach, they are providing me with a realistic education.

What to do for fun

I'm a big fan of living in Buffalo. There is so much to do in the area. There a beautiful parks and tons of festivals and concerts in the summer. We're a short drive to Toronto and an even shorter drive to Niagara Falls and the people are friendly and nice.

Food and Dining

I attend classes at North Campus and have had the opportunity to arrive early enough to try the food in the cafe. It's one of the benefits of going to a school with a culinary arts program.

Dorm Life

I commute so I cannot comment on dorm life.

Academic Rigor

I find the classes challenging but not overly so. I am still able to complete my part-time course load while I work full-time and raise a family.

Tips for prospective students

Use the resources provided by the school. They offer great library services, and English labs.

In three sentences

The class sizes here are relatively small and personal. I attend night and weekend classes and find the professors extremely knowledgeable and they apply a real world philosophy when it comes to learning. It is also the most affordable option in the area.

ROBIN from Buffalo, NY

02/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

30 of 32

Categories

Comments

Academic Rigor

business

In three sentences

i think that erie community college is giving me a great perception on what buffalo state college will be like. im intending to transfer for the fall semester of 2012. it is a great start for me and my my future goals.

Cappex is the company behind CollegeGreenlight.com.

College Greenlight is a service provided by Cappex.com, a leading college search website that has relationships with hundreds of colleges nationwide and years of experience helping millions of students achieve their college dreams.